Reflection: Saint Monica, pray for us and teach us how to pray...

Saint Monica was a mother who prayed incessantly for the conversion of her wayward son Augustine. She never gave up praying and making sacrifices for him. Her prayers, sacrifices and all her tears drew her closer to God and led her to her own path to sanctity. Today we celebrate her Feast Day. Through her sufferings, faith, hope and love, her son became a Saint and a Doctor of the Church.

Monica was married to a pagan Roman official, Patricius. Their marriage was not happy, but it was peaceful because she persevered with calmness, patience and wisdom. Her years of unceasing prayer came because she had complete trust in God's Providence. Before he died, Monica saw her husband's conversion.

Prayer changes things. When we pray for someone, our hearts are changed. God always hears our prayers. By praying for someone else, God expands our hearts with His love. God answers our prayers in His own perfect timing. Sometimes, the answer is to wait patiently. God calls upon us to pray with unwavering and confident trust that He will answer our prayers.

Prayer is a spiritual work of mercy. During this Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, I offer you these challenges to deepen your prayer life:

Make a weekly date with Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration.
Go to Mass and receive the Eucharist as often as possible.
Never give up praying for a soul who has been entrusted to you.
Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy every day for the living and the dead.
Promise Our Lady that you will go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation at least once a month.

Prayer to Saint Monica: Exemplary Mother of the great Augustine, you perseveringly pursued your wayward son not with wild threats, but with prayerful cries to heaven. Intercede for all mothers in our day so that they may learn to draw their children to God. Teach them how to remain close to their children, even the prodigal sons and daughters who have sadly gone astray.

Saint Monica, teach us how to pray unceasingly as you did. Blessed Mother Mary, through the intercession of the Saints, pray for us, for our children, our loved ones and all the intentions in our hearts. O Sacred Heart of Jesus, we place our trust in You.